Mexico, one of the co-host countries, became the first national team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after narrowly defeating South Korea in Guadalajara.
“Many congratulations to our national team. Your victory fills all of Mexico with pride,” said Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, in a short message on social media.
She accompanied the message with a photograph celebrating the Mexican victory, arms raised, alongside her husband. She also shared a video of herself celebrating a goal, wearing the national team jersey where the word “Presidenta” appeared instead of a player’s name.
The Angel of Independence in the capital became the epicenter of massive celebrations by Mexican fans.
This victory means the co-hosts will play both their Round of 32 match and a potential Round of 16 match in Mexico City.
Despite their defeat, South Korea remains in a strong position to qualify thanks to their opening match victory against the Czech Republic. On Thursday (02:00 BST), the South Koreans will face South Africa in Monterrey.
Mexico, in turn, will play its final group-stage match at the same time in Mexico City against the Czech Republic.
The match
Mexican midfielder Luis Romo was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute.
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South Korea’s best chance came in the 87th minute, when Raúl Rangel saved a close-range header from Cho Gue-sung, and the Mexican goalkeeper managed to block Yang Hyun-jun’s follow-up shot after the rebound.
Earlier, captain Son Heung-min had beaten Rangel with a chip over the goalkeeper, but Edson Álvarez cleared the ball off the goal line; however, the former Tottenham striker was ruled offside.
Aerial image of the celebrations on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in Mexico City
Image source: Getty
Caption: This is what Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in Mexico City looked like.
A crowd celebrating Mexico’s victory in Mexico City
Image source: Getty
Caption: The celebrations were mixed with some protests taking place in the capital.
With the support of a loud home crowd — who had booed their team at halftime after a lackluster first half — Mexico nearly scored a second in the 75th minute, but Raúl Jiménez’s shot from a tight angle was saved.
Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a brilliant diving save in the final moments with a powerful shot.
The result kept Mexico’s perfect World Cup record intact and confirmed that Javier Aguirre’s team will finish first in Group A.
Source: bbc
